IMRA America obtains license for ultrafast laser machining technology from the U. of Toronto
IMRA America (IMRA) has acquired a license to rights under US Patent # 6,552,301 for a novel method of micromachining with short pulse lasers developed by University of Toronto (U of T) researchers. This license gives IMRA the right to sublicense this micromachining technology to its customers.
The "Burst ultrafast laser machining method" was invented by two U of T professors — Robin Marjoribanks of the Department of Physics and Peter Herman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering — and Anton Oettl, an exchange student from the U. of Freiburg, Germany.
The key benefit of the burst-ultrafast laser machining method is its high speed — it is 100 times faster than existing technology — and its ability to delicately process brittle materials. The method expands the range of laser processing and will be especially useful in manufacturing optical-circuits, biochips, microelectronics, and flat panel displays. It is also expected to have broad impact in areas like drug discovery, health and security.
Takashi Omitsu, president of IMRA America, commented, "IMRA has invested over 15 years in the research and development of ultrafast fiber laser technology and has developed world-recognized products finding applications in eye surgery, micromachining and semiconductor processing, to name but three promising areas. We are delighted to continue our policy of partnering with others through this new licensing growth area working with the U of T. We continue to offer our own intellectual property (IP) to other companies in order to foster growth in ultrafast fiber laser technology."
Marjoribanks and Herman praised the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for providing critical funding for the research.
"OCE is delighted to see laser research from the University of Toronto have such a profound impact," said Mark Romoff, OCE President and CEO. "It's especially gratifying to imagine a wide spectrum of industry sectors across North America, and potentially globally, working more efficiently and effectively with technology developed by Ontario researchers."
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